International journal of Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics
Perovskite Oxides: A Multifunctional Material Class for Solar-to-Fuel Energy Conversion
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University.
Abstract
Harnessing concentrated solar energy for thermochemical water and carbon dioxide splitting presents a promising pathway to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This process relies on advanced redox materials to facilitate efficient chemical reactions within thermochemical cycles. Traditionally, research has focused on binary oxides, particularly ceria, due to its redox capabilities. However, ceria’s high reduction temperature and limited tunability via extrinsic doping hinder its optimization for enhanced fuel production. In contrast, perovskite oxides have emerged as a highly adaptable material class, offering broader compositional flexibility to fine-tune reduction temperatures, oxygen exchange characteristics, and fuel yields. This review explores the fundamental structural and defect thermodynamics of perovskites, emphasizing the role of oxygen vacancies in catalytic reactions. Additionally, we discuss advanced strategies for discovering and optimizing new perovskite compositions for improved solar-driven fuel synthesis. Recent investigations highlight Fe, Mn, Co, and Cr-based perovskites, achieving fuel yields of several hundred mmol per gram per cycle. Ultimately, this review provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, progress, and future prospects of perovskite oxides in next-generation solar-to-fuel technology.
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